For the B’nai B’rith Young Professional Network (BBYPN), February was Gift of Life month. BBYPN groups across the country held “Mitzvah Hour” events in cooperation with the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation. Events were held in Denver, New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., with the goal of getting attendees to register as potential donors while they meet members of their local networks and learn about programs in their communities.

“Mitzvah Hours” are happy hours with a social action component. The network has been hosting “Mitzvah Hours” in several cities for causes such as the B’nai B’rith Cuban Jewish Relief Project and local food pantries. For these events BBYPN Denver, New York and Washington, D.C., all gathered at local bars, while BBYPN Chicago enjoyed “Mitzvah Dinner” at a popular deli.

Becoming a potential marrow donor is as easy as taking a swab of the inside of your mouth. Not only did nearly 100 people turn out across the country to learn about B’nai B’rith and Gift of Life, but 30 people were swabbed as potential donors!

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the B’nai B’rith Young Professionals throughout the month of February. Helping Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation raise awareness is a perfect example of BBI’s commitment to enhancing its programs with educational and meaningful experiences,” said Marti Freund, senior development associate for Gift of Life and B’nai B’rith’s contact for the partnership. “We are thankful to everyone who participated in the bone marrow recruitment drives and took the time to learn more about our mission to save lives.”

Gift of Life is an organization that maintains a public registry for bone marrow, blood stem cell and umbilical cord donors. Through its life-saving work, Gift of Life is a world leader in facilitating transplants for children and adults suffering from many life-threatening diseases, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

For more information, you can visit www.giftoflife.org.

For more information on the B’nai B’rith Young Professional Network, email us at ypn@bnaibrith.org.

And check out more photos from the "Mitzvah Hour" events by clicking here.